Riggins shrugs off Silva's comments

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs pitching coach Mark Riggins shrugged off comments made by Carlos Silva, who was released by the team on Sunday.

On Saturday, Silva said he wasn't happy about how Riggins told him there was a chance the right-hander may have to go to the Minor Leagues. Silva said Riggins "has to learn he's in the big leagues now, know what I mean? There's no kids around here anymore."

This is Riggins' first season as the Cubs' pitching coach after three years as the Minor League coordinator.

"Carlos has his opinion and I'll leave it at that," Riggins said Sunday. "I try to stay positive with everybody. It's water under the bridge and today's a new day."

Sights & Sounds

Spring Training Info

"I was thrilled beyond belief for a lot of reasons," Cubs manager Mike Quade said of how Cashner rebounded from a rough first inning.

The right-hander threw more changeups after the first and was able to mix up his pitches more.

"What I saw [in innings] two through five is what he needs to be," Quade said.

Quade working to finalize Opening Day lineup

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs manager Mike Quade has yet to finalize his Opening Day lineup and was going to meet first with advance scout Brad Kelley on Sunday and Monday.

The Cubs kick off the 2011 season on Friday against the Pirates at Wrigley Field.

Still to be determined will be who starts at second base against Pittsburgh right-hander Kevin Correia. Will it be Blake DeWitt, Jeff Baker or Darwin Barney? Who will start in right field -- Kosuke Fukudome or Tyler Colvin? Quade expects to finalize things by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Right now, the goal is to leave Arizona healthy. Baker has been slowed by a tight left hamstring.

"Staying flexible is huge, but lots can happen in the next three days," Quade said.

The 25-man roster has been finalized, although the team has not made a formal announcement about its backup catcher. Again, that's more precautionary.

The forecast for Friday in Chicago has varied from sunny and temperatures in the 50s to rain or snow showers with temperatures around 43 degrees.

Quade will take a moment at the start of the game to reflect on how far he's come. His parents are expected to be there.

"I'm happiest for family and friends who can't believe they hired this knucklehead, and they'll come out Opening Day to see it," he said.